I recently had the awesome opportunity to photograph Miss Jaclyn and her family through my dedication to the American Child Photographer Charity Guild (ACPCG). You can read about the services provided by the ACPCG through the link to the left! This little doll baby has definitely come a long way, and has probably been through more in her short life than any of us will ever endure in our lifetime. Thanks Stahnke family for inviting me to photograph your little one, she’s absolutely perfect! *but you know that*
Here are my favorites: (read the rest of Jaclyn’s story below)
Because I truly believe in the importance in the services the ACPCG provides. I asked the Stahnke family if they would be so gracious to allow me share Jaclyn’s slideshow with all of you, and to also share their story if they were interested. They were more than honored! If you’d like to view their entire slideshow CLICK HERE The password is stahnke123.
Jaclyn’s Story:
Jaclyn Ann was born 16 weeks too soon, at just 24 weeks Gestation, weighing in at 1 pound 9.2 ounces, 12.5 inches long. She was given a 40% chance of living. She was born breathing, but rushed to the St. Elizabeth NICU to be intabated on a ventilator for what became 6 weeks.
Her Diagnosis:
In her short life she has suffered multiple Kidney failures, infections, Jaundice, Anemia, 30+ Blood transfusions. As well as being diagnosed with 2 (IVH) Intraventricular Hemorrhage- brain bleeds (ARDS) Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome -more severe form of infant RDS , (PH) Pulmonary Hypertension-blood in lungs (CLD) Chronic Lung Disease. (BPD) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia- worst lung disease you can get .
Her Surgeries:
She suffered a collapse lung her first week of life, requiring a chest tube, then at one month old she underwent her first surgery for her (PDA) Patent Ductus Arteriosus (close valve in heart.) At 3 months old another surgery to fix . (ROP) Stage 3- Retinopathy of Prematurely (detachment of the Retinas).
Her Survival:
Jaclyn’s parents were told 4 times their tiny baby would not make it through the night. They were on death watch, but Jaclyn Ann is a fighter who with a will to live and a little help from a great team, managed to beat all the odds. She was discharged on her due date with oxygen and a apnea monitor. She weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 18 inches long.
About our experience with Uniquely You Photography:
During our NICU stay we had a chance to look over a brochure about Sarah’s ACPCG sessions. Knowing we would other wise miss those first months baby pictures due to financial strains and not submitting her to germs in the malls, our family asked Sarah come celebrate with us upon Jaclyn’s arrival home. Sarah’s services were a huge blessing to us to not miss out on those first professional photos. We were so pleased with her time and patience’s, she took with our little one. She was very professional and organized. With very little props she was able to capture in her lens, what only we could see before. A natural beauty behind all the tubes and wires. What a wonderful way to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one.
I will be sure to tell everyone I know about this wonderful woman, with a kind heart. Her photos represent that of out of the gallery. It’s amazing to me to know that those tiny baby feet in the photo are our daughters. It is a very magical experience and something our family will treasure forever. Thank you Uniquely You Photography !
Sincerely, Jennifer (Mom of 24 week Preemie)
Jennifer-
THANK YOU!!! That’s the best compliment I could ever receive. You and your family have endured so much and as you know, this organization is near and dear to my heart, it was absolutely my pleasure. Sending many good thoughts and prayers to your family, always!
Sarah